fix your loose 521 turn signal switch

[dat521gatherer]

I find that most 521's have a really loose blinker switch. Maybe this happens to other models too, i dont know. Here's how I fix it.

 

Take off the column and locate the roll pin that holds the shaft part of the switch

Tap the roll pin out use some wd-40 on it. Pull it out to reinsert through the top on reassembly.

Carefull not to loose the ball bearing and spring it will be gunked on there with 40 year old grease.

Clean it up.

Also clean up the copper plate thats for the bright light switch. The ball bearing and spring are for the bright lights too.

This gap with the red arrow is the problem. I'd say around 90 percent of the looseness. It needs to be filled in with something. I use loctite.

on my 72

on my 71

Now if you dont have a vintage hires root beer bottle from the 50's this ain't gonna work. :geek:

The only problem with the loctite is it takes around 2 weeks to harden. I suppose you can use epoxy or jb weld but you'll have to work it into the gap. The loctite is so runny it flows right in the gap that]s why I use it.

 

On reassembly put a dab of new grease to hold the ball bearing in place. hold the blinker arm into place and tap the roll pin back in from the top.

[jefe de jefes]

Thanks for sharing.

[Pacific coast Datsun]

Good writeup & pix :D

[gokiburix]

ooo!! just the writeup i was looking for! I wonder if the 510 is the same~

[Laecaon]

ooo!! just the writeup i was looking for! I wonder if the 510 is the same~

 

only one way to figure it out!

[datzenmike]

Good write up and oics, but you sure that thread locker will set hard enough? It's not really made for filling holes. Do let us know how it works out.

[dat521gatherer]

Good write up and oics, but you sure that thread locker will set hard enough? It's not really made for filling holes. Do let us know how it works out.

 

I did my other 521 a couple years ago and its still rock steady. It reminds me of polyurethane which I suppose would work well too. I spilled a little polyurethane in the bed of one of my trucks and Its there for life. Harder than a rock. I'm surprised people dont use it to seal rust like por15.

[pl521sss]

Thanks for this info

Will do mine next

 

 

 

 

 

I did my other 521 a couple years ago and its still rock steady. It reminds me of polyurethane which I suppose would work well too. I spilled a little polyurethane in the bed of one of my trucks and Its there for life. Harder than a rock. I'm surprised people dont use it to seal rust like por15.

[nkldime70]

what did you use to clean both the copper contact and the shift rod itself? Just curious. Thanks